Spinal/Vertebral Column: Importance for Overall Health

The spinal/vertebral column extends from the skull to the pelvis and consists of individual bones known as vertebrae. It holds the body upright, allows it to bend and twist, and serves as a conduit for major nerves running from the brain to the rest of the body. The vertebrae are grouped into four regions. They are:

Spinal Terminology	Number of Vertebrae	Area of Body	Abbreviation
Cervical	7	Neck	C1-C7
Thoracic	12	Chest	T1-T12
Lumbar	5-6	Low back	L1-L5
Sacrum	5 fused vertebrae	Pelvis	S1-S5
Coccyx	3	Tailbone	None

Cervical Vertebrae

The cervical spine breaks down into two parts. The upper cervical vertebrae are C1 and C2, and the lower cervical vertebrae are C3 through C7. The C1 vertebra is known as the Atlas, and the C2 is the Axis. The Occipital Bone is a flat bone that forms the back of the head.

Atlas

The Atlas is the first cervical vertebra and is abbreviated as C1. This vertebra supports the skull. It appears different from the other spinal vertebrae, as it resembles a ring and is made up of two masses joined at the front and back by the anterior and posterior arches.

Axis

The Axis is the second cervical vertebra and is abbreviated C2.

• It is a tooth-like process that projects upward.
• It is referred to as the odontoid process or dens, which is Latin for the tooth.
• It provides a kind of pivot and collar that allows the head, along with the atlas, to rotate.

Thoracic Vertebrae

The thoracic vertebrae become larger from T1 through T12. The thoracic spine is unique because it is the only vertebrae that support the ribs and is made up of pedicles, spinous processes, and large neural passageways that help reduce nerve compression. Unfortunately, not everyone has a large intervertebral foramen, which can cause compression.

1. Vertebral Body
2. Spinous Process
3. Transverse Facet
4. Pedicle
5. Foramen
6. Lamina
7. Superior Facet

The thoracic vertebrae are attached to the ribs. However, at T11 and T12, the ribs are not attached and are called floating ribs. The region of the spine’s range of motion is limited because of the rib/vertebrae attachments and the long spinous processes.

Lumbar Vertebrae

The lumbar vertebrae increase in size from L1 through L5. These vertebrae bear the body’s weight, along with any loading force that can create biomechanical stress. The pedicles are longer and wider than the thoracic spine pedicles, and the spinous processes are horizontal and square. The neural passageway is large, but nerve root compression is very common due to disc herniation from poor posture, prolonged sitting, improper lifting, etc.

Vertebrae’s Purpose

The vertebrae range in size, with the cervical region being the smallest. The lumbar low back region is the largest. The vertebral bodies of the spinal column are what bear the weight. The body’s upper weight is dispersed through the spine to the sacrum and pelvis. The spine’s natural curves provide resistance and flexibility by distributing the body’s weight and axial loads/forces sustained during motion. Vertebrae are made up of many elements critical to the overall function of the spine. These include the intervertebral discs and facet joints. Functions of the spinal/vertebral column include:

Protection	Spinal Cord Internal Organs
Attachment	Ligaments Muscles Tendons
Support Structure	Head Shoulders Chest Connects upper and Lower body. Balance
Mobility and Flexibility	Extension—bending backward Flexion—bending forward Side bending Rotation Combination
Other	The bones produce red blood cells. Stores minerals

Sacrum

The sacrum is located behind the pelvis. It consists of five bones, abbreviated S1 through S5. They are fused in a triangular shape. The sacrum fits between the hip bones and connects the spine to the pelvis. The last vertebra, L5, moves with the sacrum. Below are five more fused bones that form the coccyx, or tailbone.

Intervertebral Discs

The intervertebral discs constitute a quarter of the spinal/vertebral column’s length. There are no discs between the Atlas, Axis, and Coccyx. Discs are not connected to the body’s vascular system, so they depend on the endplates to deliver essential minerals and nutrients. The cartilaginous layers keep the discs in place. Fibrocartilaginous cushions function as the spine/body’s shock absorbers. They protect the vertebrae, brain, nerves, etc. The discs allow some vertebral motion, but individual disc movement is limited. Significant motion is possible when the discs work together.

Annulus Fibrosus and Nucleus Pulposus

Intervertebral discs are made up of an annulus fibrosus and a nucleus pulposus. The annulus fibrosus is a strong radial structure made up of lamellae. Concentric sheets of collagen fibers connect to the endplates. These sheets are positioned at various angles. The annulus fibrosus encapsulates the nucleus pulposus.

Both are made up of water, collagen, and proteoglycans. However, a larger amount of water and proteoglycans are in the nucleus pulposus. Proteoglycan molecules are essential because they attract and retain water. The nucleus pulposus consists of a hydrated gel-like substance that resists compression. The amount of water in the nucleus changes throughout the day. This depends on activity or inactivity. Overall, proper care and maintenance of the spinal/vertebral column are vital to general health and overall well-being.

---